Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Qualifying for local, state and federal races takes place this week.

Qualifying will be Wednesday through Friday, from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday.

In Newton and Rockdale counties, local candidates will qualify with their respective parties.

Qualifying with the Newton County GOP will take place at the party's new headquarters, located at 1107 Church Street in downtown Covington.

All Republican candidates who qualify in Newton are asked to come back to headquarters at 11 a.m. Saturday for a meet-and-greet with the public.

For more information, contact GOP Chair Delia Fleming at 770-364-4429.

Qualifying with the Newton County Democratic Party will take place at The Lindsey Firm at 1182 Washington Street. For more information, contact Sarah Todd at 404-408-7268.

Qualifying fees are as follows:

-- Board of Commissioners Chairman: $2,528.87

-- Districts 1, 3, 5: $469.48

-- Clerk of Superior Court, Probate Judge, Tax Commissioner: $2,034.01

-- Sheriff: $2,347.43

-- Board of Education, Districts 2 and 4: $216

In Rockdale County, qualifying with the Democratic Party takes place at Cupcake Palace located at 1795 Parker Road. Republican candidates may qualify at Talley, French & Kendall, P.C., Attorneys at Law, located at 1892 Ga. Hwy. 138. For more information, contact Robert Talley at 770-483-1431.

Qualifying fees are as follows:

Board of Commissioners Chair — $3,037.29

Post 1: $751.68

State Court Judge: $44,004.39

Magistrate Judge, Probate Judge, Clerk of Superior Court, Tax Commissioner: $2,034

Sheriff: $2,347.42

Coroner: $573.49

Board of Education, Posts 1 through 5: $75

Independent candidates can contact the Secretary of State's Office at 404-656-2871.

Candidates qualifying should bring proof of identification, a check for the appropriate qualifying fee and, in Newton County, Republicans candidates must also bring proof of residency. Candidates will be required to sign an affidavit that can be obtained through the party the day of qualifying or before time at the Secretary of State's website, at www.sos.ga.gov.

Qualifying for state offices will be conducted at the state capitol. For more information, contact the Georgia Republican Party at 404-257-5559 or the Democratic Party of Georgia at 678-278-2059.